Farewell Letter from the Dean, Stephen J. Mariano, PhD

Dear NATO Defense College Faculty, Researchers, Staff, (permanent, temporary, contractors, and interns), Course Members, Senior Course Anciens, Alumni of NDC’s other excellent courses and friends of NATO from across the globe.

It’s been a genuine privilege to serve as Dean and Deputy Commandant over the past three years and I just wanted to share one final note before departing. Within days of my arrival in 2019, a staff member asked if I had a vision for the College. I replied that the Dean may not be allowed to have a vision for the College, particularly after two or three days on the job, and added that a vision is something that the Commandant might have to provide in collaboration with the Nations, the Military Committee, and the Chair of our Academic Advisory Board (that is, the Chair of NATO’s Military Committee). I didn’t have a vision for the College then, but I have one now and would like to share it with everyone interested in the future of NATO and the NATO Defense College.

A vision emerged and became reality almost without us knowing it. The College has fulfilled a traditional vision by proving that it is the pillar of Alliance cohesion, of continuity, of consistency, and of values-based activity – a model of professionalism. But the College has also fulfilled a new vision by demonstrating a spirit of experimentation and innovation in a way, at a level, and with a speed that it had not experienced before in its 70-year history. Perhaps COVID helped propel us forward toward that new vision but I can confirm that each and every one of you played a part.

From adjusting the curriculum, to finding new lecturers, to initiating on-line research conferences, to starting new courses with new audiences, to operating in virtual and hybrid environments, to adapting field studies, to modifying committee activity, to COVID-proofing the building, and most importantly, to protecting the workforce, the NDC team has done a magnificent job maintaining its stellar reputation. Thanks to all of you for allowing the College to provide 70 years of continuous operations and ushering in a new era relevance.

I’d like to publicly thank General Olivier Rittimann and General Christine Whitecross. Both Commandants have given us subordinates substantial latitude to lead academic programs and manage College activity as we saw fit. I would also like to thank the Dean’s front office team. First, Ms. Stefania Calabrese who unfortunately is on a long-term leave of absence. Also, Ms. Vanessa Varani who agreed to help during a crisis period. And now, Ms. Claudia Vitiello, who not only agreed to serve in the Dean’s Office but also retained her duties as the Anciens’ Staff Assistant. I cannot say enough positive things about these ladies, so thank you all, but especially Claudia for her dedication and energy.

And finally, I simply cannot imagine the last three years without the trusted advice and calm counsel of Colonel Jim Huber. Jim is known as a friend to all but I can claim no better friend, no better officer, indeed no better person at the College than Jim Huber. If the College has been successful in the past several years, it’s because of all your efforts, because of Stefania, Vanessa, and Claudia, but no other single person deserves more credit than Jim Huber.

Let me conclude by saying thanks for letting me be your Dean. I look forward to staying in touch and I hope you’ll support the 25th Dean and Deputy Commandant with the same good will and professionalism you showed me. Grazie mille and Merci Beaucoup!

Best Regards,

Stephen

Stephen J. Mariano, Ph.D